When the ancestors of the Frizby family emigrated to England following the Norman Conquest in 1066 they brought their family name with them. They lived in Leicestershire, in a town called Frisby which is now lost to the map. A number of towns called Frisby exist in England, all deriving their names from the Old Norman word frisir, which indicated someone from the area of Frisia or Friesland.

Frizby Early Origins

The surname Frizby was first found in Leicestershire where the family were Lords of the manor of Frisby at the time of the taking of the Domesday Book, [1]CITATION[CLOSE]Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8) a survey by William the Conqueror in 1086, after his conquest of England in 1066 A.D. Conjecturally they are descended from Fulk, a Norman noble who held this land from Hugh de Grandmesnil. The village is now deserted and lies on Frisby Hall farmland. Also in Leicestershire Frisby on the Wreake were estates held by Earl Hugh and may have had some connection to the family.

Frizby Spelling Variations

Frizby Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason, spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Frizby has been recorded under many different variations, including Frisbie, Frisby, Frisbee, Frisebie, Frisebye, Friseby and many more.

Frizby Early History

Frizby Early History

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Frizby research. Another 141 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1965 and 1929 are included under the topic Early Frizby History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Frizby Early Notables (pre 1700)

Frizby Early Notables (pre 1700)

More information is included under the topic Early Frizby Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Frizby In Ireland

Frizby In Ireland

Some of the Frizby family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. Another 35 words (2 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

The Great Migration

The Great Migration

To escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Frizbys were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: Richard Frisbie who settled Virginia in 1619 before the "Mayflower"; Elizabeth Frisby settled in Virginia in 1635; Ann Frisby settled in Virginia in 1637.

Motto

Motto

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Shaw, William A. Knights of England A Complete Record from the Earliest Time to the Present Day of the Knights of all the Orders of Chivalry in England, Scotland, Ireland and Knights Bachelors 2 Volumes. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing. Print. (ISBN 080630443X).

Thirsk, Joan. The Agrarian History of England and Wales. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press: 7 Volumes. Print.

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The Frizby Family Crest was acquired from the Houseofnames.com archives. The Frizby Family Crest was drawn according to heraldic standards based on published blazons. We generally include the oldest published family crest once associated with each surname.